Originally Posted by
Juha
Given suitable conditions, all derailleur equipped geared bikes turn out single speed after 10 kms or so. Unless you keep changing through all the gears just to keep cogs, cassette and shifters relatively free from snow and ice. . . .
--J
So, basically, a fixie is a pre-broken geared bike?
I agree that few commuters really need a 20- or 30-speed bike, but gears are useful when you want a little more speed or a little more power. I think the ideal commuter (winter or summer) would be a three- or five-speed with an internal hub (as you suggest). Now, if I could come up with about $2K of spare money, I could build it. For the moment, I'll just be happy with my Cross Check with too many gears.